What is the trend in foreigners abusing visit passes for work?

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Foreigners misusing social visit passes for work has been rising, with arrests and cases increasing through 2024 and continuing into 2025
The Immigration Department reported a clear upward trend in foreigners abusing social visit or tourist passes to work or carry out economic activities that violate the pass conditions. Arrests for this offence rose from 1,279 in 2023 to 2,644 cases in 2024, with 2,630 cases recorded in 2023, and 451 arrests recorded as of July 15 this year.
Arrests and case numbers show an upward move from 2023 to 2024
Immigration director-general Datuk Zakaria Shaaban said 1,279 arrests were made in 2023. He then stated that the number rose to 2,644 cases in 2024, while 2,630 cases were recorded in the previous year. As of July 15 this year, 451 arrests had been recorded.
The abuse involves using social visit or tourist passes for prohibited work or economic activity
Zakaria said the individuals entered Malaysia using social visit passes or tourist passes. They then carried out work or economic activities that violated the conditions of the passes granted.
Enforcement activity has continued alongside the rise in misuse cases
As of July 15, the department conducted 7,105 enforcement operations nationwide. These operations resulted in the detention of 41,596 foreigners for various immigration offences.
Employers have also faced action tied to permit and pass violations
The department also took action against 1,127 employers found to have sheltered or employed foreigners without valid permits or passes. Zakaria said the enforcement was tied to the department’s continued stance on violations of immigration laws and regulations.

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What is the trend in foreigners abusing visit passes for work?

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